Choosing the right scope ring height is crucial for a safe, reliable, and accurate shooting experience. Getting it wrong can lead to clearance issues, compromised eye relief, and even damage to your firearm or scope. This guide will walk you through the process of accurately determining the scope ring height you need.
Understanding Scope Ring Height
Scope ring height is simply the vertical distance between the top of your firearm's receiver and the center of your scope's tube. It's measured in inches. Choosing the incorrect height can lead to several problems:
- Insufficient Clearance: Too low of rings will prevent the scope from clearing the ejection port or other parts of the firearm. This can lead to malfunctions.
- Poor Eye Relief: Incorrect ring height can significantly impact eye relief, causing you to have an uncomfortable or unsafe shooting position. Too much height can result in a very long eye relief, while too little height may leave insufficient eye relief to avoid recoil issues.
- Scope Damage: Incorrect ring height increases the risk of the scope hitting the firearm during recoil, resulting in potential damage to both.
Methods for Determining Scope Ring Height
There are several ways to determine the correct scope ring height, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
1. Direct Measurement: The Most Accurate Method
This is the most accurate method and involves physically measuring the components:
- Measure the Diameter of Your Scope Tube: This is usually 1 inch or 30mm.
- Measure the Height of Your Scope's Objective Bell: Use calipers or a ruler to measure the height of the objective lens bell from the top of the scope tube.
- Measure the Distance from the Top of Your Receiver to the Top of Your Base: Carefully measure this distance, ensuring your bases are securely mounted to the receiver.
- Add Measurements: Add the diameter of your scope tube, objective bell height, and the distance from the top of your receiver to the top of the base.
- Compare to Ring Heights: Compare this final measurement to available scope ring heights. Select the height closest to your calculated value without compromising clearance. Remember to always account for potential variations in manufacturing tolerances.
2. Using a Ring Height Gauge or Template: A Convenient Alternative
Several manufacturers offer ring height gauges or templates that allow you to quickly determine the correct height. These tools are often specific to certain firearm and scope combinations. You can align these gauges with the scope and firearm to get the required height.
3. Trial and Error (Not Recommended): Avoid This Method
While possible, trial and error is generally not recommended due to the risk of damaging your equipment. The cost and potential damage outweigh the convenience of a quick guess.
Factors Affecting Scope Ring Height Selection
Beyond the measurements, other factors influence your choice:
- Type of Rifle: The receiver design and overall dimensions of your rifle significantly impact the necessary ring height.
- Scope Size and Design: Larger scopes generally require higher rings. The design of the scope, including the size of the objective bell, will influence the overall height needed.
- Type of Mount: The type of mount used (e.g., Weaver, Picatinny) can impact the final height.
- Desired Eye Relief: The preferred eye relief should be a consideration. Adjust the ring height to achieve comfortable and safe eye relief.
Choosing the Right Scope Rings: Beyond Height
While ring height is critical, it’s equally important to choose rings of the appropriate quality, material, and construction. Low-quality rings can compromise the security and longevity of your scope mount. Look for high-quality rings made of strong, durable materials and designed for your specific scope and firearm.
Conclusion
Accurately determining scope ring height is crucial for a safe, reliable, and accurate shooting experience. By carefully measuring the necessary dimensions, using a ring height gauge if possible, and considering other influencing factors, you can select the appropriate height for your specific setup. Remember that safety and precision should always be prioritized when mounting your scope. If you're unsure, always consult a qualified gunsmith.
